Youth & Families

Shabbat

Children love to come to synagogue on Shabbat and use the skills they have learned during the week either in Hebrew School or Day School. They are able to shine in the children’s services, by taking part in leading their peers in prayer, demonstrating their growth in Hebrew and prayer skills and finding their own space in the Kane Street community. Every Shabbat, except on public holiday weekends, Kane Street offers four Family Services. Family Services are free and open to all, both members and non-members. Parents are always welcome to attend our children’s services. Contact Director of Education & Family Programming Rabbi Valerie Lieber.

Schedule
Each Shabbat morning during the school year we hold family services in the upper floors of the Goldman Educational Center, starting at 11:00am. The entire building is filled with the sound of singing, laughter and learning. We have services for every age range so that kids can get engaged with a group of peers, express their joys, wonder and doubts.

Mini MinyanUp to age 5, with an adult11:00-11:45am, Third floor multi-purpose room
A warm, interactive family Shabbat experience with singing, stories, a Torah parade, prayers and movement. We conclude with a Kiddush over challah and juice. Led by Rabbi Jason.

Minyan Noar (formerly KC Minyan)Grades 3-611:00am-12:15pm, Chapel
This is a joyful and contemplative family service which helps children begin to navigate Siddur Sim Shalom that we use in the main sanctuary. We sing, learn the traditional choreography of prayers, discuss the themes of prayers and the Torah portion, and enjoy a weekly Torah service or dramatic re-enactment of the weekly Torah portion. Led by Rabbi Val.

Holidays and Festivals

Creative and fun children’s holiday programs are offered throughout the Jewish year.

On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur we hold lively services for children and their families led by experienced Rabbi Val, Rabbi Jason and other engaging Jewish family educators. Children hear the shofar, sing t’fillot and enjoy sweet apples and honey. On the afternoon of the second day of Rosh Hashanah, everyone is invited to participate in our Tashlich ceremony at the East River Fulton Ferry Landing with the entire community. Childcare is available during the High Holidays.

Simchat Torah, with its joyous singing and dancing in honor of the Torah, is a holiday of youthful delight. Families are invited to participate in safe and fun rounds of dancing, or hakafot, with the Torah as we cordon off our block on Kane Street and celebrate in the street.

At Chanukkah families are invited to Kane Street’s Community Chanukkah party to sing Chanukkah songs and consume their year’s share of sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts).

Purim at Kane Street is very family friendly. Everyone comes dressed in costume, parents behave like children and together we listen to the Megillah of Esther, sponsor a costume parade and enjoy hamantaschen.

On Yom Ha’atz’ma’ut, Israel Independence Day, we sing in English and Hebrew, dance and celebrate the modern revival of Israel.